Handtruck hoist

ABSTRACT

A two wheel mobile handtruck incorporating laterally extensible stabilizing legs and first and second hoist sections including a primary screw jack actuated section and a secondary block and tackle section for selectively elevating a projecting load platform. The load platform can alternately present a roller surface or a panel surface.

1451 Dec. 5, 1972 United States Patent Morris, Jr.

Sasgen et a1.

XXXNXV W 900 773 /lloo 7// 44 877"71l 188 M22 Bayer et Lockhart.............................

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[52] U.S.-Cl. ......................2l4/370, 187/9, 214/512, Primary Examiner-Albert J. Makay 280/4729 Attorney-Clarence A. OBrien and Harvey B. Jacobn o s 2 0 H9 13 b 2a 3 B 0 7 3 u 4 11 m2 K C m MS m d Ld mm 1.] 100 55 ll [57] ABSTRACT A two wheel mobile handtruck incorporating laterally References Cited extensible stabilizing legs and first and second hoist UNITED STATES PATENTS sections including a primary screw jack actuated section and a secondary block and tackle section for selectively elevating a projecting load platform. The

1,277,712 Germond, Jr.......................214/84 x 1,578,602 ....2s0/47.27 x

load platform can alternately present a roller surface or'a panel surface.

w ab ebw HAH 12 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTED nu: 5 I972 SHEET 1 OF 4 Car/Ion M. Morris, Jr.

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SHEET 2 OF 4 Carlton M. Morris, Jr,

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- WWW! m PATENTED DEC 5 I972 SHEET 3 OF 4 Car/fan M. Morris, Jr.

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PATENIEDuEc 5 I972 SHEET 8 BF 4 52 Fig. 9

Car/Ion M. Morris, Jr.

I-IANDTRUCK I-IOIST The present invention generally relates to material handling equipment, and is more particularly concemed with a device which enables the loading, trans porting and raising of various heavy objects, such as window air-conditioners, barrels, refrigerators, and the like in an efficient and simplified manner normally requiring only a single workman.

It is a primary object of the instant invention to provide, in a single unit, the ability to move loads with a high degree of maneuverability and vertically adjust the load as required so as to shift the load from one level to another.

In conjunction with the above object, it is also a significant object of the instant invention to provide the mobility and hoist capabilities in a compact unit which, notwithstanding the size thereof, can, through a unique arrangement of hoisting features, achieve a substantial range of vertical travel.

Other objects of the instant invention reside in the provision of equipment which, notwithstanding its versatility, is relatively simple in operation and easily handed, the handtruck alternatively being highly mobile during the transporting phase and rigidly stable during the hoisting phase.

Basically the construction of the instant invention includes a wheel supported main frame having opposed guiding uprights which receive the primary hoist section for vertical travel therein by means of an appropriate screw jack. The secondary hoist section is mounted within the primary section and includes the lift platform elevatable in conjunction with the primary hoist section or relative thereto by appropriate block and tackle means. Extensible legs are provided on the support section for stabilizing the truck during the hoisting operation and hand brakes are associated with each of the two truck wheels for a control of the traveling truck. The lift platform can alternatively present a roller surface or a panel surface depending on the load to be received therein and a spring loaded brace functions to level the platform subsequent to the introduction of a load thereon.

These together with other objects and advantages which will become subsequently apparent reside in the details of construction and operation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. I is a perspective view of the hoisting handtruck of the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the support section of the handtruck;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main portion of the primary hoist section;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the secondary hoist section and lift platform;

FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the handtruck with the lift platform folded;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the handtruck of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view thereof;

FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-section through the handtruck with the load platform extended;

FIG. 9 is a transverse crosssectional view taken substantially upon the plane passing along section line 9- 9 in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a view illustrating the lower portion of the truck tipped to receive a load;

FIG. 11 is a view of the lower portion of the truck with the brace bar extended; and

FIG. 12 is a sectional detail illustrating the column engaging platform guide rollers.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 20 is used to generally designate the hoisting handtruck comprising the instant invention. The handtruck 20 basically includes a support section 22, a primary hoist section 24 and a secondary hoist section 26 incorporating the lift platform 28.

The support section 22 includes a pair of laterally spaced inwardly directed channel columns 30, each incorporating inwardly directed flanges 32 so as to define full height opposed guide slots 34. The lower ends of the columns 30 are rigidly affixed to a base plate 36 which, to the oppositeends of the rear edge thereof, rotatably mounts a pair of traveling wheels 38. The front edge of the base plate 36 mountsa stepped portion including a depending vertical panel 40 and a forwardly projecting horizontal panel 42 generally coplanar with the ground engaging portion of the wheels 38 upon a vertical orientation of the support frame 22. 4

A pair of vertically elongated rods or rails 44 are provided longitudinally along the rear edges of the columns 30 and function alternatively as supports should one wish to position the truck 20 horizontally, and handle means for facilitating a movement of the truck 20.

Each of the wheels 38 is provided with a overlying brake shoe 46 pivotally mounted to the adjoining column 30 and controlled by a pivotally mounted handle 48 toward the upper end of the corresponding column 30, appropriate link means 50 engaging each shoe 46 with the corresponding handle 48. By this provision of individual hand brakes associated with the two rollers, it will be appreciated that not only will an exact control be provided over the movement of the truck, but also, through a selective braking of one wheel or the other, the turning or directing of a heavily loaded truck will be simplified.

As will be appreciated from FIG. 1, the support section 22 will necessarily have to be rigidly stabilized in a vertical position during the hoisting operation. Accordingly, two extensible support legs 52 are pivotally mounted to each support column 30 toward the upper end thereof for selective collapsing against the outer face of the column, as illustrated in FIG. 5, and extending outwardly therefrom, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Each of these legs 52 includes an upper hollow section 54 which slidably and telescopically receives a lower section 56 therein with the lower section 56, upon being extended sufficiently so as to stablely engage the portion of the ground or floor, being fixed in its extended position by appropriate pin means 58 engaged through opposed holes in the lower portion of the upper section 54 and one of a series of pin receiving holes or pairs of holes 60 in the corresponding lower section 56. Each lower section 56, in order to appropriately adjust to the ground surface, is also provided with a pivotally mounted enlarged foot 62. lncidently, for purposes of convenience, each of the lock pins 58 can be suspended by appropriate chain means 64 when not in use. ln order to lock the legs 52 in their outwardly extended stabilizing position, each leg is provided with a folding over-center link hinge 66 which, when opened, will lock and fix the orientation of the leg 52 until the hinge 66 is manually collapsed.

The support unit or section 22 mounts, on the base plate 36 between the columns 30, a scissor jack'68 utilized in conjunction with the primary hoist section 24 as shall be explained presently. The scissor jack 68, comprising multiple crossing links sized to achieve a substantial lift range, incorporates a screw actuator which is manipulated by appropriate crank handle means 70 selectively engaged with the jack screw through an elongated vertical slot 72 provided through one of the channel columns 30. As will be noted in FIG. 2, the handle 70, when not in use, will be stored directly on the column by appropriate clamp means 74.

The primary hoist section 24 includes a vertically elongated rectangular frame 76 consisting of a flat base member 78 bolted or otherwiserigidly affixed to the upper portion of the jack 68 and incorporating opposed pairs of notches 79 toward the opposite ends thereof which accommodate the inwardly directed flanges 32 of the support section columns 30; The extreme end portions of the base member 78 are slidably received in and guided by the opposed column guide slots 34. lntcgral with the opposite ends of the base member 78, and also slidably received within the column guide slots 34, are a pair of flat vertical side members 80 which project beyond the open upper ends of the support section columns 30. The upper ends of the side members 80 are interconnected by a transverse flat top member 82. This top member 82 has a T-bar 84 welded centrally along the underface thereof and in turn mounting the upper portion of a block and tackle unit 86 which is to engage and constitute the motivating force for the secondary hoist section 26.

The secondary hoist section 26 includes a horizontal panel or member 88 which is positioned over the primary hoist section base member 78 between the opposed vertical members 80 and, similar to the base member 78, provided with opposed pairs of notches 90 toward the opposite ends thereof for a reception of the extreme end portions within the guide slots 34. Attention is directed to P16. 9 which illustrates the manner in which the side members 80 and end portions of the member 88 are received within the column guide slots 34, the member 88 sliding freely vertically along the guide slots 34 both with and relative to the primary section base member 78 and side members 80.

With continued reference to the secondary hoist section 26, the horizontal panel 88 has a depending vertical panel 92 affixed to the forward edge thereof, this forward edge projecting slightly beyond the front edges of the support columns 30 so as to position the vertical panel 92 just forward thereof. The vertical panel 92 in turn is of a width slightly less than the distance between the support section columns 30. The lower edge of the vertical panel 92 terminates in a forwardly directed support step 94. The vertical adjustment of the secondary hoist section 26 is effected by the aforementioned hoist unit 86, the lower portion of which is snap-locked to an appropriate eye 96 affixed to and projecting upwardly from the horizontal panel 88.

The lift platform 28 includes three pairs of vertically oriented plates 98 orientated in laterally spaced parallel relation to each other with each plate 98 including, in the vertical orientation of the truck 20, a horizontal upper edge 100 and a bottom edge including a horizontal rear portion 102 selectively seatable on the horizontal strip' 94, note H6. 8, and an upwardly inclined forward portion 104 which terminates at a narrow leading end so as'to enable a forward tipping of the truck 20 and platform 28, as illustrated in FIG. 10, for simplifying the movement of a load 106 thereon.

The three pairs of plates 98 are interconnected and stabilized by front and rear transversely extending bracing plates 108 welded to the lower edge portions of the plates 98. Each pair of plates 98 mounts a series of rollers 110 therebetween, these rollers 110 having the peripheries thereof orientated so as to project slightly above the upper edges 100 of the plates 98 whereby a load can be easily rolled onto and from the lift platform. In order to accommodate loads which would not have lower surfaces adaptable for positioning on the rollers 110, suchas a barrel'having a flanged bottom, a flat panel or deck 1I2 is pivoted to the outermost side plates 98 adjacent the vertical panel 92 for a selective swinging between a vertical roller exposing position, as in FIG. 8, and a horizontal roller covering position, as in H6. 11. The lift platform 28 is itself pivotally secured to the depending vertical panel 92 by appropriate hinge means 114 engaged between the rear edge of the platform, for example by a hinge rod 115, and the front face of the vertical panel 92. The upwardly swung position of the lift platform 28 will be noted in FIG. 5.

The lift platform 28 is laterally stabilized relative to the support columns 30 by providing integral rearward extensions 1 16 on the two outermost platform plates 98 which overlie the outerfaces of the respective support section columns 30.

In order to facilitate a vertical traveling of the lift platform 28, each side pair of vertical plates 98 mounts a vertically aligned pair of rollers 118 at the rear end thereof. These rollers 118 project into rolling engagemerit with the forward edges of the support section columns 30 and are free rolling for travel therealong as the lift platform is raised and lowered.

With reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, the invention herein also contemplates a spring loaded automatic bracing bar 120 for maintaining the lift platform 28 vertical or tipped slightly rearward so as to assist in maintaining a load thereon subsequent to an initial introduction of the load onto the truck 20, particularly immediately prior to a transporting of the load or a depositing of the load at its destination. Lift bar 120 includes opposed perpendicular end portions 122 which are pivotally secured to the sidemost vertical plates 98 toward the forward ends thereof so as to enable a swinging of the bar 120 between an upward collapsed position received within a series of notches 124 provided in the aligned plates 98 transversely across the platform 28, and a vertical position engaging the ground in a manner so as to elevate the forward end of the platform and maintain the truck 20 vertical or tipped slightly rearward. Appropriate spring means 126 is engaged between a projecting lug or ear 128 on one of the pivotally mounted side portions 122 and the corresponding plate 98 forward thereof so as to bias the brace 120 to its supporting position. When a load is to be introduced onto the truck, the brace 120 will be manually pivoted to its collapsed position as illustrated in FIG. and the load 106 mounted in an appropriate manner. Once the load 106 has been shifted onto the platform 28, the truck will be pivoted rearwardly so as to elevate the load with the brace bar 120 swinging into its supporting position as the load platform 28 reaches an approximately horizontal position. At this point, the truck can be released and it will be maintained in proper load supporting orientation preparatory to movement or hoisting.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a highly unique combination handtruck and hoist has been defined. Not only does this construction incorporate all of the mobility of a handtruck, it also provides for an unique means of vertically moving a supported load as required. The actual hoisting of the load can be effected utilizing one or both hoist sections. In other words, depending upon the particular height to which the load is to be moved, either the primary section 24 or the secondary section 26 can be utilized, the load platform 28, at each instance, elevating with the appropriate section. By the same token, in those instances wherein extreme heights are present, both sections can be utilized. In such cases, the primary section 24 will be raised to the maximum limit of the jack 68, after which the secondary hoist section 26 will be raised relative to the extended primary section 24, resulting in a further raising of the load. Notwithstanding the high degree of mobility of the truck, further enhanced by the provision of individual manual brakes with each of the wheels, the truck, through the extensible stabilizing legs, constitutes a firm non-tipping base during the hoisting operation.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

I. A hoisting handtruck comprising a mobile support section, first hoist means vertically movable along said support section, and second hoist means vertically movable along said support section in conjunction with and relative to said first hoist means, means on said support section for vertically guiding said first and second hoist means, means for simultaneously vertically moving the first and second hoist means and separate means for vertically moving the second hoist means relative to said first hoist means.

2. The handtruck of claim 1 wherein the means for vertically moving said second hoist means is engaged between the first hoist means and the second hoist means.

3. The handtruck of claim 2 wherein said support section includes stabilizing legs selectively laterally and longitudinally extensible for ground engagement outward of the support section at spaced points thereabout.

4. The handtruck of claim 2 wherein said means for guiding both of the hoist means comprises a pair of laterally spaced vertical channel columns on said support section, each channel column defining a pair of guide slots, each hoist means incorporating a plate-like portion extending between said columns and having the opposite ends thereof slidably engaged within said column guide slots.

5. The handtruck of claim 4 wherein said first hoist means includes a rectangular frame rising vertically from the associated plate-like portion, said frame including a pair of laterally spaced side members slidably received within the column guide slots for vertical movement therealong, said second hoist means having the plate-like portion thereof received over the platelike portion of the first hoist means, a depending panel affixed to the plate-like portion of the second hoist means and depending therefrom, and a laterally projecting load platform affixed to the lower portion of the depending panel to define a load receiving surface.

6. The handtruck of claim 2 including a laterally projecting load platform mounted on said second hoist means for vertical adjustment therewith said load platform having an uppersurface defined by therewith, plurality of free rolling rollers in order to enable a rolling of a load thereon and therefrom.

7. The handtruck of claim 6 wherein said load platform includes a flat panel pivotally mounted for selective positioning over the rollers so as to define a flat load receiving surface, and retraction therefrom, exposing said rollers.

8. The handtruck of claim 1 wherein said means for guiding both of the hoist means comprises a pair of laterally spaced vertical channel columns on said support section, each channel column defining a pair of guide slots, each hoist means incorporating a plate-like portion extending between said columns and having the opposite ends thereof slidably engaged within said column guide slots.

9. The handtruck of claim 8 wherein the means for moving the first hoist means comprises an extensible jack engaged between said support section and said first hoist means, said means for moving the second hoist means comprising a block and tackle unit engaged between the first hoist means and the second hoist means.

10. A hoisting handtruck comprising a mobile support section, first hoist means vertically movable along said support section, and second hoist means vertically movable along said support section in conjunction with and relative to said first hoist means, means on said support section for vertically guiding said first and second hoist means, means for vertically moving the first hoist means, means for vertically moving the second hoist means, said means for vertically moving said second hoist means being engaged between the first hoist means and the second hoist means, said support section including stabilizing legs selectively laterally and longitudinally extensible for ground engagement outward of the support section at spaced points thereabout, and a laterally projecting load platform mounted on said second hoist means for vertical adjustment therewith, said load platform having an upper surface defined by a plurality of free rolling rollers in order to enable a rolling of a load thereon and therefrom, said load platform including a flat panel vnrnnn mun pivotally mounted for selective positioning over the rollers so as to define a flat load receiving surface, and retraction therefrom, exposing said rollers, said means for guiding the hoist means comprising a pair of laterally spaced vertical channel columns on said support section, each channel column defining a pair of guide slots, each hoist means incorporating a plate-like portion extending between said columns and having the opposite ends thereof slidably engaged within said column guide slots, the means for moving the first hoist means comprising an extensible jack engaged between said support section and said first hoist means, said means for moving the second hoist means comprising a block and tackle unit engaged between the first hoist means and the second hoist means.

11. The handtruck of claim 10 wherein said first hoist means includes a rectangular frame rising vertically from the associated plate-like portion, said frame including a pair of laterally spaced side members slidably received within the column guide slots for vertical movement therealong, said second hoist means having the plate-like portion thereof received over the plate-like portion of the first hoist means, a depending panel affixed to the plate-like portion of the second hoist means and depending therefrom, and a laterally projecting load platform affixed to the lower portion of the depending panel to define a load receiving surface. 12. A hoisting handtruck comprising a mobile support section and a hoist means vertically movable therealong, said hoist means incorporating a laterally directed load receiving platform, said support section being defined by a base and a pair of laterally spaced vertical columns rising therefrom, said vertical columns incorporating guide means vertically along the facing portions thereof, said hoist means including portions engaged with said guide means for guided movement vertically along said columns, said load platform including a forward inclined lower surface enabling a forward tipping thereof for introduction beneath a load, and brace bar means pivotally mounted on the forward portion of the load platform and pivotably movable between a first position generally aligned with the inclined lower surface and a second position depending vertically therefrom, said brace bar means being automatically movable to the second position upon a movement of the load platform from a forwardly tipped position to an approximately horizontal position whereby said brace bar means acts to retain the horizontal orientation of the platform. 

1. A hoisting handtruck comprising a mobile support section, first hoist means vertically movable along said support section, and second hoist means vertically movable along said support section in conjunction with and relative to said first hoist means, means on said support section for vertically guiding said first and second hoist means, means for simultaneously vertically moving the first and second hoist means and separate means for vertically moving the second hoist means relative to said first hoist means.
 2. The handtruck of claim 1 wherein the means for vertically moving said second hoist means is engaged between the first hoist means and the second hoist means.
 3. The handtruck of claim 2 wherein said support section includes stabilizing legs selectively laterally and longitudinally extensible for ground engagement outward of the support section at spaced points thereabout.
 4. The handtruck of claim 2 wherein said means for guiding both of the hoist means comprises a pair of laterally spaced vertical channel columns on said support section, each channel column defining a pair of guide slots, each hoist means incorporating a plate-like portion extending between said columns and having the opposite ends thereof slidably engaged within said column guide slots.
 5. The handtruck of claim 4 wherein said first hoist means includes a rectangular frame rising vertically from the associated plate-like portion, said frame including a pair of laterally spaced side members slidably received within the column guide slots for vertical movement therealong, said second hoist means having the plate-like portion thereof received over the plate-like portion of the first hoist means, a depending panel affixed to the plate-like portion of the second hoist means and depending therefrom, and a laterally projecting load platform affixed to the lower portion of the depending panel to define a load receiving surface.
 6. The handtruck of claim 2 including a laterally projecting load platform mounted on said second hoist means for vertical adjustment therewith said load platform having an upper surface defined by therewith, plurality of free rolling rollers in order to enable a rolling of a load thereon and therefrom.
 7. The handtruck of claim 6 wherein said load platform includes a flat panel pivotally mounted for selective positioning over the rollers so as to define a flat load receiving surface, and retraction therefrom, exposing said rollers.
 8. The handtruck of claim 1 wherein said means for guiding both of the hoist means comprises a pair of laterally spaced vertical channel columns on said support section, each channel column defining a pair of guide slots, each hoist means incorporating a plate-like portion extending between said columns and having the opposite ends thereof slidably engaged within said column guide slots.
 9. The handtruck of claim 8 wherein the means for moving the first hoist means comprises an extensible jack engaged between said support section and said first hoist means, said means for moving the second hoist means comprising a block and tackle unit engaged between the first hoist means and the second hoist means.
 10. A hoisting Handtruck comprising a mobile support section, first hoist means vertically movable along said support section, and second hoist means vertically movable along said support section in conjunction with and relative to said first hoist means, means on said support section for vertically guiding said first and second hoist means, means for vertically moving the first hoist means, means for vertically moving the second hoist means, said means for vertically moving said second hoist means being engaged between the first hoist means and the second hoist means, said support section including stabilizing legs selectively laterally and longitudinally extensible for ground engagement outward of the support section at spaced points thereabout, and a laterally projecting load platform mounted on said second hoist means for vertical adjustment therewith, said load platform having an upper surface defined by a plurality of free rolling rollers in order to enable a rolling of a load thereon and therefrom, said load platform including a flat panel pivotally mounted for selective positioning over the rollers so as to define a flat load receiving surface, and retraction therefrom, exposing said rollers, said means for guiding the hoist means comprising a pair of laterally spaced vertical channel columns on said support section, each channel column defining a pair of guide slots, each hoist means incorporating a plate-like portion extending between said columns and having the opposite ends thereof slidably engaged within said column guide slots, the means for moving the first hoist means comprising an extensible jack engaged between said support section and said first hoist means, said means for moving the second hoist means comprising a block and tackle unit engaged between the first hoist means and the second hoist means.
 11. The handtruck of claim 10 wherein said first hoist means includes a rectangular frame rising vertically from the associated plate-like portion, said frame including a pair of laterally spaced side members slidably received within the column guide slots for vertical movement therealong, said second hoist means having the plate-like portion thereof received over the plate-like portion of the first hoist means, a depending panel affixed to the plate-like portion of the second hoist means and depending therefrom, and a laterally projecting load platform affixed to the lower portion of the depending panel to define a load receiving surface.
 12. A hoisting handtruck comprising a mobile support section and a hoist means vertically movable therealong, said hoist means incorporating a laterally directed load receiving platform, said support section being defined by a base and a pair of laterally spaced vertical columns rising therefrom, said vertical columns incorporating guide means vertically along the facing portions thereof, said hoist means including portions engaged with said guide means for guided movement vertically along said columns, said load platform including a forward inclined lower surface enabling a forward tipping thereof for introduction beneath a load, and brace bar means pivotally mounted on the forward portion of the load platform and pivotably movable between a first position generally aligned with the inclined lower surface and a second position depending vertically therefrom, said brace bar means being automatically movable to the second position upon a movement of the load platform from a forwardly tipped position to an approximately horizontal position whereby said brace bar means acts to retain the horizontal orientation of the platform. 